Downtown Minneapolis is gearing up to quickly become a no-go zone for cars but a go-to spot for people over the weekends this summer. Starting today, Warehouse District Live returns for its sophomore season, bringing with it the closure of a block on First Avenue North, creating a pedestrian-only party zone each weekend through October. This initiative, which was a hit last summer according to local authorities, is set to provide an outdoor nightlife experience, complete with food trucks and entertainment, every Friday and Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more about this downtown transformation, visit minneapolismn.gov.
“Warehouse District Live is back for a second season! When we transform First Avenue into a bustling pedestrian hub with food trucks, entertainment, and public amenities, we are reinvigorating the downtown experience, supporting our local economy, and having a blast doing it,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was quoted as saying in a statement obtained by the City of Minneapolis' official website. The closed-off section will stretch from Fifth Street to Sixth Street and will also occasionally expand another block or two when the city decides to kick things up a notch.
Last year's fully-fledged Warehouse District Live season reportedly consisted of 42 Friday and Saturday nights filled with 350 hours of free public activities. The presence of 150 hours of public karaoke and 30 hours of local D.J.s provided a vibrant soundtrack for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. "The pedestrian-friendly zone enhances the vibrancy of downtown and supports the entertainment businesses that make our downtown a regional destination,” mentioned Minneapolis City Council Member Michael Rainville, the individual who pushed to originally initiate Warehouse District Live in a statement from the city’s press release.
With serious crimes like shootings, assaults, robberies, and auto thefts following a downward spiral, officials attribute this positive trend partly to an influx of foot traffic and the diligent work of Minneapolis police officers. Adam Duninick, President & CEO, of Mpls Downtown Improvement District said, "Warehouse District Live will add to the experience of those coming downtown for sporting events, theater, concerts, our nightlife scene, and incredible restaurants all summer long on Fridays and Saturdays.” Details about these downtown festivities can be found on their website provided earlier.
